New YorkS 102212025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Provides for emergency appropriation for the period April 1, 2026 through May 11, 2026

Sponsored By: José M. Serrano (Democratic)

Became Law

RULESWAYS AND MEANS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

15 provisions identified: 14 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

State and court paychecks keep coming

The law pays state payrolls scheduled April 1 to May 11, 2026 with $1.799 billion, including executive, legislative, and sheltered work programs. It pays judiciary payrolls with $269 million and judiciary fringe benefits with $115.75 million for the same period. It also funds general state employee benefits for the fiscal year: $814.76 million total, including $514.42 million for health insurance/retiree health trust and $171 million for Social Security.

More funding for Essential Plan and CHIP

Beginning April 1, 2026, the law provides $1.15 billion for the Essential Plan to support coverage and administration. It also provides $212.95 million for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. CHIP funds may be transferred to reimburse local district costs for children newly enrolled in Medicaid with household incomes between 100% and 133% of the federal poverty level.

More help for people with developmental disabilities

Beginning April 1, 2026, the law provides $769.02 million for OPWDD community services like residential, day programs, family supports, housing help, and up to 14 days of respite. Eligible residents in voluntary homes can get up to $250 per year for personal needs, based on financial need. The state can support facilities waiting for ICF/DD recertification and let OPWDD, when it is the federal representative payee, use resident funds for their care under federal rules. OPWDD may change provider advance‑payment schedules with budget approval. Direct support staff may perform certain clinical tasks if trained and supervised by a registered nurse and ordered by a practitioner.

More money for Medicaid care

Beginning April 1, 2026, the law provides $10.41 billion for Medicaid services. It pays hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, managed care, pharmacy ($431.56 million), transportation, and other care. It also covers higher pay and fringe costs tied to a minimum wage increase for Medicaid‑funded employers. Providers can be paid for rate appeal settlements and judgments. The state may set aside local shares in an interest‑bearing account to keep provider payments on time, and the budget director can move money into Medicaid.

More funding for unemployment benefits

Beginning April 1, 2026, the state provides $1.26 billion to the Unemployment Insurance Benefit Fund. This money pays weekly unemployment checks and federally supported disaster benefits. It helps keep claims paid on time during the year. The law does not change who qualifies or the benefit formula.

More money for public transit

Beginning April 1, 2026, the law funds transit operations statewide: $199.53 million from the Dedicated Mass Transportation Trust Fund, $374.96 million from the Mass Transportation Operating Assistance Fund, and $42.54 million in additional regional transit aid. It also deposits $13.14 million into the MTA central business district tolling capital lockbox. Payments follow a financial plan approved by the budget director, and some funds require a certificate of approval before spending.

Medicaid cap and savings plan

The law caps state‑funded Medicaid at $36.0992 billion from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. The budget director may adjust the cap for changes like federal match (FMAP), provider revenues, local admin payments, minimum wage costs, and Essential Plan impacts. If spending may exceed the cap, the state must post a savings plan with 30 days’ notice, unless a public health emergency needs faster action. The state matches records with insurers so other payers pay before Medicaid. The budget director can shift funds across health agencies, and any expense not clearly allowed needs the director’s approval.

More community mental health care

The law funds mental health and addiction services when inpatient behavioral health beds are reduced. Money can support licensed community programs and must be approved with health and budget officials. This helps people access care closer to home.

More funds for WIC and community health

Beginning April 1, 2026, the law provides $53.93 million for the Department of Health’s Center for Community Health. It also provides $43.87 million in federal USDA food and nutrition funds that support programs like WIC. This keeps community health services and nutrition help available.

Emergency funds pay state bills

The law pays ordinary non‑payroll state bills from April 1 to May 11, 2026 with $56 million. It provides up to $10 million for contracts and grants approved before April 1, 2026, and up to $20 million for those approved after April 1, 2026, including capital project bills in that period. The judiciary gets $36 million for non‑payroll bills and $22 million for aid to localities for the same dates. No money from this act may be spent until the budget director issues a certificate and files copies, but the legislature and judiciary are exempt. After the final budget passes, the Comptroller moves these charges to the regular enacted appropriations.

NYC students keep reduced transit fares

The law provides $6,312,750 so New York City public school students keep reduced transit fares for the 2026–27 school year. The program uses the same eligibility and discount rules as in 2019–20. Funds are released before each semester after the NYC Department of Education sends student fare passes, and spending requires a budget director certificate of approval.

Annuity payments for blind veterans

Beginning April 1, 2026, the law provides $385,000 to pay annuities to blind veterans and eligible surviving spouses. Up to $15,000 may be used for administration.

More help with veterans benefits

Starting April 1, 2026, funding for veterans benefits advising rises to $246,000, up $30,000. The program helps veterans understand and file for benefits. The added money can expand appointments and outreach. It does not change eligibility for VA benefits.

Prescription help for seniors

Beginning April 1, 2026, the law provides $1.8 million for the EPIC program. It supports prescription assistance for eligible seniors and reimburses participating pharmacies.

Aid to municipalities for local services

Beginning April 1, 2026, the law provides $11,138,869 in Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM). This supports city and town budgets and the local services they provide.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

José M. Serrano
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 60 • No: 1

Senate vote • 5/7/2026

FLOOR Vote